As we usher in a New Year, we will welcome a new president into the White House as well as a golden opportunity for American technology and economic competitiveness. Not since the invention of electricity has the United States had the opportunity it has today to harness new technology to invigorate the nation’s economy. In many ways, artificial intelligence is the electricity of our age, and the next four years can build a foundation for America’s economic success for the next quarter century. At Microsoft, we see a three-part vision for America’s technology success. This starts with advances and investments in world-leading American AI technology and infrastructure. Second, the country needs to champion skilling programs that will enable widespread AI adoption and enhanced career opportunities across the economy. Finally, the United States must focus on exporting American AI to our allies and friends, bolstering our domestic economy and ensuring that other countries benefit from AI advancements.
The country has a unique opportunity to pursue this vision and build on the foundational ideas set for AI policy during President Trump’s first term. Achieving this vision will require a partnership that unites leaders from government, the private sector, and the country’s educational and non-profit institutions. At Microsoft, we are excited to take part in this journey.
Technology as a foundation for economic growth
Since the mid-1700s, the world has witnessed great leaps forward through major industrial revolutions, each driven by groundbreaking technology. The steam engine ignited the world’s first industrial revolution in the United Kingdom, intensifying economic growth through subsequent and rapid advances in ironworking.
The second industrial revolution, starting in the late 1800s, catapulted the United States to global economic leadership. Americans uniquely harnessed the power of electricity across the economy, including by transforming machine tooling to build the world’s largest manufacturing-based economy.
The third industrial revolution emerged in the latter half of the 1900s, fueled by computer chips and software. Once again, the United States led the world in this new technological era, giving rise to new companies that included Microsoft itself, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary this April.
Each of these eras was marked by what economists call a General-Purpose Technology, or GPT. In contrast to single-purpose products, GPTs boost innovation and productivity across the economy. Ironworking, electricity, machine tooling, computer chips, and software all rank among history’s most impactful GPTs.
World-leading AI technology and infrastructure
As we look into the future, it’s clear that artificial intelligence is poised to become a world-changing GPT. AI promises to drive innovation and boost productivity in every sector of the economy. The United States is poised to stand at the forefront of th
Mar. Gen 7th, 2025
